Register a Foreign Nonprofit in Virginia

Free Guide to Registering a Foreign Nonprofit in Virginia

How do I register my foreign non-profit corporation in Virginia?

File the Application for a Certificate of Authority to Transact Business in Virginia with the Virginia Corporation Commission. Include a certified copy of your articles of incorporation. You can file by mail or in person.

What kind of information is required on the Virginia Certificate of Authority?

Include the following on the form:

• Nonprofit corporation name.
• Registered agent information.
• Nonprofit corporation‘s purpose.
• A certified copy of your articles of incorporation.

Virginia is picky about foreign entities, so make sure your information on the certificate match, exactly (including periods and commas), the information on your original Articles of Incorporation.

How much does it cost to qualify a foreign non-profit in Virginia?

The cost is $75. You can pay with cash if filing in person; otherwise, send a check or money order. Expediting is an additional $100.

How long does it take Virginia to process my filing?

Virginia’s normal state processing time is around 28 days after receipt. Expediting filings take approximately 3 business days after receipt.

Does Virginia require any paperwork from my home state?

Yes. You must attach a certified copy of your articles of incorporation to the application for certificate of authority.

How many directors are required to sign the Certificate of Authority?

No directors are required to sign.

Who needs to sign the Certificate of Authority?

Anyone authorized by the nonprofit corporation to sign the formation documents.

Does my registered agent need to sign the Certificate of Authority?

No.

Will I need a registered agent in Virginia?

Yes. When you hire Northwest Registered Agent as your Virginia registered agent, it‘s a flat yearly rate of $125, you‘ll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states you‘re registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to four people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You‘ll receive annual report reminders. It‘s the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees. You‘ll also see all the prepopulated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page in your online account.

Do foreign non-profit corporations need to file annual reports in Virginia?

Yes. Annual reports for nonprofit corporations in Virginia are due by the last day of the organization‘s anniversary month. You can file the report online. The filing fee is $25.

Are there any other Virginia state agencies to register with?

You will want to apply to the Virginia Department of Taxation for Virginia tax exemption.

If your non-profit organization collects solicitations for charitable purpose, you will also need to register as a Virginia charity with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Virginia contact info:

State Corporation Commission
Office of the Clerk
PO Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218-1197
Phone: (804) 371-9733
Website: www.scc.virginia.gov